Portable fuel storage device

ABSTRACT

A portable storage device to contain fuel. The device is designed to be relatively light-weight to allow for movement around a fueling facility, and to be delivered to the fueling facility through the air. The device includes a number of separate tanks each configured to contain fuel. A suspension protects the tanks by absorbing external forces that could occur in the event the device is dropped during air delivery.

BACKGROUND

The present application is directed to a portable fuel storage deviceand, more specifically, to a fuel storage device designed to bedelivered by air.

Various fuel storage devices are known for supplying fuel to a desiredlocation. One example includes a motorized vehicle with an attached fuelstorage tank, such as a tanker truck. In use, the vehicle is loaded withfuel and then driven to the desired location where the fuel isdispensed. A similar example is a tank trailer that includes a fuel tanksupported on a trailer platform and configured to be towed behind avehicle. Another example is a fuel container sized to be handled by auser. The container includes an enclosed interior of usually less than15 gallon fuel capacity and includes an exterior handle to facilitatemovement. During use, the container is filled with fuel and then liftedand moved by the user to the desired location where fuel is dispensed.Each of these various types of fuel storage devices has limitedapplication.

The motorized fuel vehicle and fuel trailer are limited to justlocations where a vehicle can be driven. The fuel cannot be delivered tolocations that are not accessible to the driven vehicle. Such locationsmay include rooftops, semi-enclosed structures, occupied structures,ships, and remote geographic positions (e.g., mountainous terrain,deserts). Likewise, the fuel container has limited applicability becauseit can only hold a limited amount of fuel because the user is limited bythe amount of weight they are able to lift and move.

Existing fuel storage devices are also not designed for air delivery.These devices are not constructed to be readily lifted and delivered byan aircraft, such as a helicopter. Existing devices are also notequipped to prevent fuel leakage if handled roughly during delivery,which may occur during an air delivery.

SUMMARY

One embodiment is directed to a storage device to store and dispensefuel. The storage device includes a frame with a floor having a firstside and an opposing second side. The frame also includes a centralcolumn that extends upward above the first side of the floor. A base ismounted to the frame below the floor. Wheels are mounted to the base. Amaster storage tank and slave tanks are positioned on the first side ofthe floor and extend around the central column. The storage tanks arespaced apart with an overall weight of the tanks when full of fuel beingevenly distributed across the floor. One or more conduits extend betweenthe master storage tank and the slave tanks to move the fuel from theslave tanks to the master tank. A suspension with resilient spacers ispositioned between the frame and the base to provide relative motionbetween the base and the frame. The suspension also includes resilientspacers positioned between the tanks and the frame to provide relativemotion between the tanks and the frame. A processing circuit ispositioned within an interior of the central column to control themovement of fuel between the tanks.

The resilient spacers positioned between the frame and the base may bedifferent than the resilient spacers positioned between the frame andthe storage tanks.

The storage may also include an exterior casing mounted to the framethat forms an enclosed interior space over the floor with the storagetanks positioned within the interior space.

Another embodiment is directed to a storage device to store and dispensefuel. The storage device includes a frame with a floor and a column thatextends outward above the floor. A wheeled base is mounted to the frameand positioned below the floor. Storage tanks are positioned on thefloor and extend around the column with each of the storage tanksconfigured to contain fuel. One or more conduits extend between thestorage tanks to move the fuel between the storage tanks. A retainer ismounted to the column and includes arms that extend radially outwardfrom the column. Each of the arms are connected to one of the storagetanks to secure the storage tanks. The retainer is axially spaced alongthe column above the floor to connect to an upper portion of the storagetanks. A suspension with resilient spacers is positioned between theframe and the base to provide relative motion between the frame and thebase. The suspension also includes resilient spacers positioned betweenthe tanks and the frame to provide relative motion between the tanks andthe frame. A processing circuit is positioned within an interior of thecolumn to control the movement of fuel between the tanks.

Each of the first and second resilient spacers may be deformable betweena first configuration when no external forces are acting on the tanksand a different second configuration when external forces are acting onthe tanks.

The resilient spacers positioned between the tanks and the frame may bepositioned between a bottom of the storage tanks and the floor of theframe.

The resilient spacers may be positioned between the retainer and thecolumn to movably connect the retainer to the column.

Each of the storage tanks may be independently configured to contain thefuel.

Each of the storage tanks may include the same capacity.

A distal end of the column may be positioned a greater distance from thefloor than each of the storage tanks.

The storage device may include an exterior casing attached to the framethat forms an enclosed interior space over the floor with the storagetanks positioned within the interior space.

The storage device may include support arms that extend between thecolumn and the sidewall with the support arms forming receptacles spacedaround the column that are each sized to contain one of the storagetanks.

The resilient spacers positioned between the frame and the base may beseparate from and spaced away from the resilient spacers positionedbetween the tanks and the frame.

Another embodiment is directed to a storage device to store and dispensefuel. The storage device includes a frame with a floor with a first sideand an opposing second side. A sidewall is positioned around the floorand extends upward above the first side of the floor. A column at thecenter of the frame extends upward above the first side of the floor. Abase is mounted below the floor, and wheels are mounted to the base. Amaster storage tank and slave tanks are positioned on the first side ofthe floor and within the sidewall. The storage tanks are spaced apartalong the floor with an overall weight of the tanks when full of thefuel being evenly distributed across the floor. One or more conduitsextend between the master storage tank and the slave tanks to move thefuel from the slave tanks to the master tank. One or more firstresilient spacers are positioned between the tanks and the frame toprovide relative movement between the tanks and the frame. One or moresecond resilient spacers are positioned between the frame and the baseto provide relative movement between the frame and the base. The one ormore second resilient spacers are separate from and spaced away from theone or more first resilient spacers. Each of the first and secondresilient spacers are deformable between a first configuration when noexternal forces are acting on the tanks and a different secondconfiguration when external forces are acting on the tanks.

A distal end of the central column opposite from the floor may bepositioned above the storage tanks.

The first and second resilient spacers may be each constructed from anelastic material.

The storage device may also include an exterior casing attached to theframe that forms an enclosed interior space over the floor with thestorage tanks positioned within the interior space.

A distal end of the column may extend outward from the exterior casing.

The one or more conduits may extend through the floor of the frame witha first section positioned on the first side of the floor and a secondsection positioned on the second side of the floor.

The storage device may also include support arms that extend between thecolumn and the sidewall with the support arms forming receptacles spacedaround the central column that are each sized to contain one of thestorage tanks.

The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or inany combination, as is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of storage tanks, a frame, and a base of adevice.

FIG. 2 is a top schematic view of tanks positioned on a floor of a frameof a device.

FIG. 3 is a top schematic view of tanks positioned on a floor of a frameof a device.

FIG. 4 is a bottom schematic view of tanks and a fuel distributionsystem for moving the fuel within the tanks.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a control circuit.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a frame and base of a device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cut-away side view of a frame, resilient spacers,and base of a device.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cut-away side view of a control circuit positionedwithin an interior of a column.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view with portions of the lower frame andbase cut away illustrating tanks, a frame, a base, and resilient spacersof a suspension.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a device.

FIGS. 11A-11B are schematic side views of resilient spacers absorbingforces applied to a device.

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a resilient spacers absorbing forcesapplied to a device.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to portable fuel storage device. Thedevice is designed to be relatively light-weight to allow for movementaround a fueling facility. The device is also designed to be highlydurable and to be delivered to the fueling facility through the air. Thedevice is designed to store fuel in a number of separate tanks and toprotect the tanks through a chassis system with a suspension thatabsorbs external forces and impacts that could occur during airdelivery.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fuel storage device 10. Device 10 includes separatefuel tanks 20 each configured to hold fuel. The fuel tanks 20 arepositioned in a frame 60 and supported on a base 70. An external framesuspension (not illustrated in FIG. 1) is positioned between the frame60 and base 70 to absorb forces that are applied to the device 10.Further, an internal tank suspension (not illustrated in FIG. 1) ispositioned between the individual tanks 20 and one or more sections ofthe frame 60 to absorb the forces that may occur when the device 10 isbeing delivered through the air. To facilitate air delivery, the frame60 includes a central column 67 that includes a connector 66 forattachment with an aircraft, as well as wheels 80 for movement at thefueling facility.

The device 10 is designed to be filled with fuel and air delivered to adesired location. The device 10 is designed for connection with andlifting by an aircraft. The device 10 is particularly applicable for usewith a helicopter, although the device 10 may also be moved by othertypes of aircraft. The device 10 is further relatively small tofacilitate air delivery. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the device10 are about 38 inches wide by 38 inches long by 44 inches tall. Thedevice 10 is further relatively light, with one embodiment configured tohold a total of about 120 gallons of aviation fuel. This embodiment hasa weight of about 250 lbs. when empty and a weight of about 1000 lbs.when the tanks 20 are full of fuel.

The ability of the device 10 to be transported via air makes it idealfor use in establishing a remote fueling depot. The fuel device 10 canbe positioned at a variety of different geographic positions thusforming a fueling depot for any engine or turbine powered equipmentincluding trucks, cars, helicopters, airplanes, and drone aircraft. Inone embodiment, the device 10 can be delivered to helipads, such asthose on the tops of buildings. One specific embodiment is use of thedevice 10 at hospital helipads. Through the use of the device 10,helicopters can continue to use the helipads in the same manner aspreviously, and in addition, can refuel without returning to theirairport thus providing additional air coverage and increasing theaircrafts functional geographic envelope.

Further, the device 10 is relatively small and easy to move at thefacility. In most instances, the device 10 can be moved by a singleperson on improved surfaces. This provides for the device 10 to be movedout to the landing pad as needed, and then moved to a storage facilityin proximity to the landing pad when not in use.

The device 10 may include various numbers of storage tanks 20. Each ofthe storage tanks 20 includes an enclosed interior to hold the fuel. Thenumber and size of the tanks 20 may vary. Examples include but are notlimited to a device with four storage tanks 20 (FIGS. 1 and 4), threestorage tanks 20 (FIG. 2), and eight storage tanks 20 (FIG. 3). Thevarious tanks 20 may have the same fuel capacity, or may includedifferent fuel capacities. FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 include storage tanks 20 ofequal storage capacities. FIG. 3 includes four larger capacity tanks 20and four smaller capacity tanks 20.

The storage tanks 20 are positioned about a frame 60 to evenlydistribute the weight. The even weight distribution facilitatestransport by air and prevents tipping of the device 10. When a singleconnector 66 at a center of the frame 60 is used to lift the device 10,the tanks 20 are distributed about the frame 60 to keep the device 10level. In one embodiment, each of the tanks 20 includes a cylindricalshape and each of the tanks is the same size.

The tanks 20 include a master tank 20 a and one or more slave tanks 20 bthat are interconnected through a fuel distribution system asillustrated in FIG. 4. For purposes of clarity, the tanks as a wholewill be referred to and denoted as element number 20. Specific referenceto a master tank will be denoted as element 20 a and specific referenceto a slave tank as element 20 b.

The fuel distribution system includes one or more conduits 25 thatextend between the tanks 20. FIG. 4 includes a single conduit 25 thatextends between each of the tanks 20. Other embodiments may includededicated conduits 25 that extend between one of the slave tanks 20 band the master tank 20 a. In the various embodiments, the one or moreconduits 25 include an outlet 23 in the slave tanks 20 b and an inlet 21in the master tank 20 a to move the fuel from the slave tanks 20 b tothe master tank 20 a. The fuel distribution system may also include oneor more pumps 22 to move the fuel between the various tanks 20. The fueldistribution system may also include one or more solenoid valves 24 tocontrol the flow of the fuel between the various tanks 20. The solenoidvalves 24 are positioned along the fuel line and configured to beselectively opened and closed to control the flow of fuel between thetanks 20. The conduit 25 may be positioned above and/or below a floor 62of the frame 60.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the tanks 20 may also include one ormore ports 27. The ports 27 may be used to input fuel into the tanks 20to fill the device 10. In one embodiment, filling is accomplished bydelivering fuel into each of the tanks 20. In another embodiment, fuelis delivered to just one or more of the tanks 20. The fuel distributionsystem through a control circuit 50 then delivers the fuel between thetanks 20. The ports 27 may be positioned on a top of the tanks 20 toprovide access to fill the tanks and reduce or eliminate potentialleaking.

One or more of the tanks 20 may also be treated to prevent leakingand/or prevent explosions or fires in the event the tank 20 is pierced.The interior of one or more of the tanks 20 include reticulated foamthat is a very porous, low density solid foam. The solid component ofthe foam may include an organic polymer, such as polyurethane, aceramic, or a metal. The exterior of one or more of the tanks 20 mayinclude a urethane-based coating. The coating includes a “self-healing”property to fill and seal a hole in the event that the tank 20 ispierced. The interior and/or exterior materials are particularlyeffective when the device 10 is used in a combat environment.

A hose 26 may be attached to the port 27 of the master tank 20 a. Thehose 26 provides for delivering fuel from the device 10. The hose 26 mayinclude a variety of different lengths. A nozzle with an actuator switchmay be attached to the end of the hose 26 to further facilitate fueldelivery. The hose 26 may also include a separate fuel pump for pumpingthe fuel from the master tank 20 a for delivery through the hose 26.

The hose 26 may be fixedly attached to the port 27 of the master tank 20a. The hose 26 remains attached at the port 27 during both use andnon-use times. Alternatively, the hose 26 may be removably attached tothe port 27. The removable hose 26 may be stored with the device 10 andinstalled as needed. Alternatively, users of the device 10 may beequipped with a hose 26 for use upon arriving at the device 10. In oneembodiment, the removable hose 26 is equipped with a fuel pump. Theremovable hose 26 may also be equipped with a filtration system. Duringinstallation of the hose to the port 27, the hose 26 is operativelyconnected to a control circuit 50 in the device 10. This connection maybe via hardwire or may be via wireless communication protocols. In onespecific embodiment, the fuel pump 22 includes a wire and plug that isconnected to a watertight dedicated electrical receptacle on the column67 during use.

Pressure relief valves 29 are configured to mount to the tanks 20. Thevalves 29 equalize pressures between the interior of the tanks 20 andthe exterior environment. The valves 29 are configured to equalize bothpositive and negative pressure differentials. The valves also allow forminimal ambient air to enter into the tanks 20 which allows for equaltank draw-down when pumping fuel. Pressure relief valves 29 may bemounted on any number of the tanks 20. The valves 29 may be configuredto be removably mounted to the ports 27, such as being threaded toengage with corresponding threads at the ports 27. This allows for thevalves 29 to be mounted to the tanks 20 at certain times, such as duringair delivery, and removed as necessary such as during refueling. Valves29 may also be permanently attached to the tanks 20 away from the ports27.

The flow of fuel through the device 10 is controlled by the controlcircuit 50. The control circuit 50 may be positioned within the centralcolumn 67. This may include each of the various components positionedwithin the central column 67. In other embodiments, one or more of thecomponents is positioned outside of the central column 67.

The control circuit 50 controls the various components of the fueldelivery system. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the circuit 50 includes aprocessing circuit 51, including, for example, one or moremicroprocessors, microcontrollers, Application Specific IntegratedCircuits (ASICs) or the like, configured with appropriate softwareand/or firmware to control the overall operation of the device 10according to program instructions stored in a memory circuit 52. Theprocessing circuit 51 is configured to perform calculations to determinevarious aspects such as but not limited to a remaining amount of fuel ineach of the tanks 20 based on one or more signals received from one ormore sensors 53, the amount of fuel dispensed during a dispensingoperation, and an initial amount of fuel stored in the device 10.

The control circuit 50 includes a computer-readable storage medium(shown as memory circuit 52), which stores instructions and/or dataneeded for operation. The memory circuit 52 may include both volatileand non-volatile memory, for example.

The control circuit 50 may include one or more different sensors 53 todetect an amount of fuel within the tanks 20. In one embodiment, eachtank 20 is equipped with a separate sensor 53. One or more sensors 53may be positioned within the fuel delivery system to determine theamount of remaining fuel and/or fuel flow between the tanks 20 and/orthe flow of fuel being dispensed through the hose 26. Various types ofsensors 53 may be used to determine the remaining fuel and fuel flow.Examples include but are not limited to weight sensors, volume sensors,and pressure sensors. Various other sensors 53 may also be included tosense various environmental aspects or positional aspects of the device10, such as but not limited to interior and exterior temperaturesensors, orientation sensors, motion sensors, humidity sensors, windspeed sensors, wind direction sensors, fuel temperature sensors, voltagesensor, and ammeter current sensor. Sensors 53 may also include aspectsabout the delivery of the device 10, such as impact sensors. Sensors 53may also provide surveillance information, such as proximity sensors andground vibration sensors.

FIG. 5 includes the one or more sensors 53 included within the controlcircuit 50. Other embodiments may include one or more of the sensors asseparate components that are communicatively coupled to the processingcircuit 51.

A communication interface 54 may comprise a short-range wirelessinterface, such as a BLUETOOTH interface, RFID, ZIGBEE, or WIFIinterface, and a long range cellular phone or satellite communicationsinterface. There may be more than one communications interface 54.Communication interface 54 may also include an antenna configured fortransmitting and receiving wireless signals to and from remote sources(e.g. a home base, aircraft).

The control circuit 50 may include a GPS receiver 55 or other locationdetector to determine the location of the device 10. A clock 56 may beassociated with the control circuit 50 that measures the various timingrequirements for specific events. The clock 56 may be independent fromthe processing circuit 51 as illustrated in FIG. 5, or may beincorporated within the processing circuit 51.

An energy storage device 57 (e.g., a battery) is provided to power thevarious components of the control circuit 50. In one embodiment, theenergy storage device 57 is a rechargeable battery that can be rechargedthrough a photovoltaic module that includes one or more solar panelsmounted on the exterior of the device 10. The photovoltaic module isconfigured to generate and supply electricity for recharging the energystorage device 57. The storage device 57 may also be recharged through autility line powered charger.

A display 58 may be configured to display information to a user. Thedisplay 58 may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organiclight emitting diode (OLED) for example. An input 59 may provide for auser to enter applicable information. The input 59 may include a varietyof formats, including but not limited to one or more buttons, touchpad,and keypad.

The control circuit 50 is configured to monitor and control the flow offuel in the device 10. The control circuit 50 monitors the amount offuel in each tank 20 through readings from the one or more sensors 53.The control circuit 50 further controls the distribution of fuel aboutthe tanks 20 to maintain an even distribution of weight when fuel isbeing dispensed through the master tank 20 a. Control circuit 50controls the fuel distribution to move fuel from the slave tanks 20 binto the master tank 20 a to maintain the even weight distribution forthe device 10. The control circuit 50 may cause the fuel to bedistributed throughout the tanks 20 as fuel is being dispensed from themaster tank 20 a. Alternatively, the fuel may be initially removed fromthe master tank 20 a, and at some later time replenished from the slavetanks 20 b.

Control circuit 50 also monitors the amount of fuel in the device 10.This may include a total amount of fuel in the device 10 as well as theamount of fuel in each individual tank 20.

The control circuit 50 may also be configured to isolate one or more ofthe tanks 20 in the event of a leak. Control circuit 50 monitors theamount of fuel in each tank and the amount of fuel added into the device10 and dispensed from the device 10. In the event sensor readingsindicate that fuel is leaking from one or more tanks 20, control circuit50 may pump the remaining fuel from the one or more leaking tanks 20 andinto the other operational tanks 20. After the fuel has been removedfrom the leaking tanks, one or more of the solenoid valves 24 in thefuel distribution system may be activated to shut the fuel line thusisolating the leaking tank(s). Further, control circuit 50 mayredistribute the fuel in the operational tanks 20 to distribute theweight evenly about the device 10. In one embodiment, this includesemptying an operational tank that is positioned opposite from a leakingtank to evenly distribute fuel.

The control circuit 50 is further configured for the device 10 todispense fuel in the event the master tank 20 a becomes inoperative suchas by being damaged or beginning to leak. The control circuit 50 maypump the fuel from the master tank 20 a into one or more of the slavetanks 20 b. Once removed, the master tank 20 a is isolated from thesystem by shutting off one or more of the solenoid valves 24. One of theoperative slave tanks 20 b is selected as the new master tank 20 a. Thedelivery hose 26 is configured to connect with the fuel port 27 of thenew master tank 20 a. Control circuit 50 operates the device to dispensethe remaining fuel through the new master tank 20 a in the same manner.

The control circuit 50 may be configured to be locked-out when not inuse. This prevents an unwanted party from using the device 10 todispense fuel. The control circuit 50 may be activated by one or morecommands that are received either remotely through the communicationinterface 54 (such as from an approaching aircraft or a home base).Activation may also occur through the input device 59 which ispositioned on the exterior of the device 10. A user at the input device59 may input the required commands to activate the device 10.

Control circuit 50 is further configured to transmit the fuelinformation and/or operational state of the device 10 to a remotelocation, such as a home base or to various aircraft. This may includeperiodic signal transmissions (e.g., daily, hourly, weekly) regardingthese aspects of the device. This may also transmit this information inresponse to an incoming request, such as from an aircraft seeking fuel.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the frame 60 and base 70 withthe tanks 20 removed for clarity. FIG. 7 includes a side view of a frame60 and base 70 with a portion of the frame 60 and base 70 removed forviewing the interior. The frame 60 is configured to receive the tanks20. The frame 60 includes a floor 62 on which the tanks 20 arepositioned, and a sidewall 61 that extends upward from the floor 62around the periphery. The floor 62 and sidewall 61 form a reservoir tocapture fuel that may leak from the tanks 20. The height of the sidewall61 and thus the holding capacity of the reservoir may vary. In oneembodiment, sidewall 61 is sized such that the reservoir can contain thefuel from one of the tanks 20.

The column 67 extends upward above the floor 62 and includes an enclosedinterior space 68 sized to contain a portion or entirety of the controlcircuit 50. The connector 66 is mounted at the exposed end of the column67. The connector 66 is sized and shaped to be connected to an aircraftfor air delivery. The height of the column 67 may vary, although itshould include a greater height than the tanks 20. This greater heightpositions the connector 66 above the tanks 20 to facilitate attachmentwith the aircraft and prevent or reduce contact between the aircraftand/or tanks 20 and a lifting cable during air transport.

The column 67 may be positioned at a center of the frame 60 which mayinclude positioning at the center of the floor 62. The central column 67and tank distribution around the column 67 evenly distributes the weightof the device 10. When the device 10 is lifted at a single point throughthe connector 66 at the end of the column 67, this weight distributioncauses the device 10 to be level such that the tanks 20 are supported bythe floor 62. The level positioning prevents shifting of the tanks 20about the floor 62. Further, the central location and positioning withinthe tanks 20 provides additional protection to the control circuit 50.As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tanks 20 and sidewall 61 shield the column67 and interior control circuit 50. When used in certain settings, thetanks 20 and sidewall 61 may stop a projectile from damaging the controlcircuit 50.

The column 67 may also be positioned offset from a center of the frame60. The tanks 20 are distributed about the floor 62 and relative to thecolumn 67 to distribute the weight for the device 10 to remain levelwhen lifted through the connector 66 at the end of the column 67.

FIG. 8 illustrates the processing circuit 51 of the control circuit 50positioned within the interior of the column 67. The energy storagedevice 57 may be positioned in a lower section of the column 67, such asat an opening 64 in the floor 62. This facilitates access to the energystorage device 57 during service and replacement. One or more of thecomponents may be positioned outside of the column 67, such as thesensors 53, display 58, and input device 59. These components may beoperatively connected to the processing circuit 51 via a hardwireconnection or wirelessly.

Device 10 may also include one or more exterior power receptacles thatare connected to the energy storage device 57. The receptacles providefor the input of utility power to operate one or more of the devicecomponents, such as the battery charger, power inverter, fueldistribution system and control circuit 50 in the event of failure ofthe energy storage device 57.

The frame 60 also includes support arms 63 that extend between thecolumn 67 and the sidewall 61 at various points around the frame 60. Inone embodiment, the column 67 includes a rectangular cross-sectionalshape and the support arms 63 extend outward from each of the corners.The arms 63 may also divide the frame 60 into different sections thatare each sized to receive one of the tanks 20. The arms 63 prevent thetanks 20 from sliding around on the floor 62 of the frame 60 when thedevice 10 is being transported.

The support arms 63 are designed to deform and absorb an exterior forcethat is applied to the device 10. Under extreme circumstances, such asthe tanks 20 being fully loaded with fuel and dropped from a height inexcess of 10 feet, the frame 60, base 70, support arms 63, and sidewall61 are designed to mechanically deform and absorb additional forcebefore the tanks 20 deform and fail from impacted hydraulic force.

The base 70 is positioned below the frame 60. The base 70 is sized tosupport the frame 60, and generally has the same size and shape as thefloor 62. As illustrated in FIG. 7, one or more receptacles 71 faceupwards towards the frame 60. The receptacles 71 may extend around theperiphery of the base 70. The sides of the frame 60 and base 70 mayoverlap to provide protection to interior elements. Wheels 80 areattached to the base 70 for moving the device 10 once delivered to thedesired location. The number and size of the wheels 80 may varydepending upon the type of use.

The frame 60 and base 70 may be constructed from a variety of differentmaterials. Examples include but are not limited to steel, aluminum,engineer-grade polymers, glass, aramid, Kevlar, and carbon fiber/resincomposites. The components of the frame 60 and base 70 may beconstructed from the same or different materials.

A casing 95 as illustrated in FIG. 13 may extend over the tanks 20 andthe frame 60 to provide protection and additional structural support.The casing 95 may be mechanically connected with both sealing adhesivesand/or fasteners to the frame 60 around the exterior of the sidewall 61,and to the central column 67. This creates a sealed and integratedsemi-monocoque structure. Exterior forces such as impacts on the frame60, base 70 or casing 95 are transferred through both the frame 60 andcasing 95 and the energy is distributed into the suspension.

In one embodiment, the casing 95 is sealed to the frame 60 forming aliquid-tight interior space that houses the tanks 20. Fuel that leaksfrom one or more of tanks 20 is contained within this interior space,even if the fuel that accumulates on the floor 62 extends above thesidewall 61.

The casing 95 extends around a majority of the device 10. As illustratedin FIG. 13, the casing 95 is sized such that just the distal end of thecolumn 67 and a limited section of the base 70 are exposed. The tanks20, control circuit 50, and fuel distribution system are positionedwithin and protected by the casing 95. The casing 95 also prevents oreliminates tampering when the device 10 is placed out in the field.

The casing 95 may include one or more access doors 28 (see FIG. 13) toaccess the interior space. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the access doors28 may be positioned to access the tops of the fuel tanks 20, such asduring refueling of the tanks 20 or dispensing fuel from the master tank20 a.

The casing 95 may be constructed from a variety of materials, includingbut not limited to aluminum alloy, steel alloy, high densitypolyethylene, polymer, glass fiber, aramid fiber, carbon fiber, Kevlarfiber and resin composites, ceramic composites, and combinationsthereof. In one specific embodiment, the casing 95 is constructed fromKevlar and blow-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

The device 10 includes a suspension to protect the tanks 20. Thesuspension includes an internal suspension to allow relative movementbetween the tanks 20 and frame 60 and an external suspension to allowrelative movement between the frame 60 and base 70.

The internal suspension allows for relative movement between the tanks20 and the frame 60. As illustrated in FIG. 9, resilient spacers 85 arepositioned between the tanks 20 and the floor 62. The resilient spacers85 may extend around the entirety of each of the tanks 20 as illustratedin FIG. 10, or may extend around limited sections of the tanks 20Dampers 85 may also extend between the sidewall 61 and the tanks 20.

A retainer 86 attaches the tanks 20 to the column 67 as illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10. The retainer 86 includes arms 87 that extend between thecolumn 67 and the tanks 20. The arms 87 may extend completely around theperimeter of the tanks 20, or may extend around a limited length of theperimeter. The arms 87 may be directly connected to the column 67, suchas through mechanical fasteners or otherwise joined to the column 67such as through welding. The retainer 86 may also include a sleeve 88that extends around and is connected to the column 67. The arms 87 areconnected to the sleeve 88.

FIGS. 9 and 10 include the retainer 86 having a sleeve 88 that extendsaround the column 67. Arms 87 extend from the sleeve 88 and extendcompletely around the perimeter of the tanks 20. Resilient spacers 85are positioned between the arms 87 and the tanks 20 to provide formovement of the tanks 20 relative to the arms 87 and the column 67.Resilient spacers 85 are also positioned between the sleeve 88 and thecolumn 67. Again, this provides for relative movement between the tanks20 and the column 67. In one embodiment, resilient spacers 85 are justpositioned between the column 67 and the sleeve 88. The one or moreresilient spacers 85 provide for movement of the tanks 20 relative tothe frame 60. This movement dissipates forces that act on the tanks 20in the event the device 10 is dropped during transport.

The retainer 86 is positioned along an upper half of the height of thetanks 20. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 9, the retainer 86 ispositioned along the upper quarter of the height of the tanks 20. Theretainer 86 secures the tanks 20 to the column 67 and prevents tippingof the tanks 20. The resilient spacers 85 and retainer 86 provide forsome movement between the tanks 20 and the frame 60, while supportingthe tanks 20 in the upright position without tipping.

The external suspension allows for relative movement between the frame60 and base 70. The external suspension includes one or more resilientspacers 85 positioned between the frame 60 and the base 70. In oneembodiment, the one or more resilient spacers 85 extend between andspace apart the frame 60 and base 70. The resilient spacers 85 may beconnected to one or both of the frame 60 and base 70. FIGS. 7 and 9include the resilient spacers 85 positioned within the receptacle 71 inthe base 70. The suspension extends outward from the base 70 andcontacts against and supports the frame 60.

The number and size of the resilient spacers 85 may vary. In oneembodiment, the resilient spacers 85 extend completely around theperimeter of the base 70. The resilient spacer 85 may also be positionedat one or more discrete locations between the frame 60 and base 70.

The resilient spacers 85 are constructed to provide for relativemovement between the frame 60 and base 70 when a force is applied to thedevice 10. In one embodiment, the resilient spacers 85 allow for theframe 60 and base 70 to move together but prevent contact. The resilientspacers 85 dissipate forces that act on the device 10 thus protectingthe tanks 20.

The various resilient spacers 85 may include a variety of differentdevices and materials. Examples include but are not limited to springs,shock absorbers, linkages, viscoelastic materials, elastomers, rubber,and polyurethane. In one embodiment, the spacers 85 are formed by anelastomeric urethane. Urethane has been found to be more impervious topetroleum-based solvents and maintains it elasticity much better overextended periods of use.

The suspension may include a single member, or multiple members whichmay all be the same, or may include different types of members.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate one example of the external suspensionabsorbing a force when the device 10 is dropped onto the ground 100.Examples of when this may occur include during delivery by an aircraftand being dropped while still a short distance above the ground 100, andduring delivery in which the device 10 is set down rapidly onto theground. For purposes of simplicity, just the floor 62, resilient spacers85, base 70, and wheels 80 are illustrated.

As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the spacers 85 compress to absorb the forceswhen the device 10 is dropped in the direction of arrow A. In thisembodiment, the device 10 lands evenly on the ground 100 and the amountof deformation is equal about the resilient spacers 85. The resilientspacers 85 maintain the floor 62 spaced away from the base 70. After theforce is absorbed, the resilient spacers 85 return towards theiroriginal shape and size as illustrated in FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment in which the device 10 is droppedunevenly such that the first side contacts the ground 100 prior to thesecond side. The resilient spacers 85 on the first side deforms andbegins to absorb the force upon contact with the ground 100 and prior tocontact with the second side.

As illustrated in these Figures, the resilient spacers 85 support theframe 60 above the base 70 and allows for the frame 60 to move relativeto the base 70.

Resilient spacer 85 may also be positioned at other locations on thedevice 10. As illustrated FIG. 8, resilient spacers 85 may be positionedbelow one or more of the energy storage device 57 and the processingcircuit 51. Resilient spacers 85 may also be positioned on various sidesof the components for additional protection. The resilient spacers 85protect these components against forces that may be exerted on thedevice 10.

In use, the tanks 20 may be filled with the desired amount of fuel. Thecontrol circuit 50 may distribute the fuel during or after the fuelingto distribute the weight load as necessary. Once filled, the device 10is ready for delivery to a remote location. For air delivery, a hook,D-ring, or other like component attached to a wire, cable, rope, orwebbing from a helicopter is attached to the connector 66. Onceattached, the device 10 can be lifted by an aircraft, such as ahelicopter (the device 10 may also be retrieved by a helicopter in asimilar manner for delivery to a different location or refueling). Thecentral location of the connector 66 and the even weight distribution ofthe fuel cause the device 10 to remain level once elevated above theground. The device 10 is delivered to the desired location and detachedfrom the aircraft. Once at the location, the device 10 may be rolledabout as necessary, such as for storing in a hangar or other shieldedlocation. Alternatively, the device 10 may remain exposed in the openwith the casing 95 providing the necessary protection.

To dispense fuel, the device 10 is activated. This may include receivinga signal from a remote aircraft or air controller, or direct inputthrough the input device 59. Once activated, the fuel is dispensed fromthe master tank 20 a fuel tank port 27 through the portable electrictransfer pump and nozzle system. The control circuit 50 monitors theamount of fuel being dispensed and the amount of fuel remaining witheach of the tanks 20. The control circuit 50 may activate the fueldistribution system to move the fuel between the tanks 20 as necessaryto supply enough fuel to the user and also to keep the weight evenlydistributed about the device 10. Once the fueling process is complete,the device 10 is deactivated and returned to a waiting state for thenext dispensing.

The control circuit 50 may periodically monitor the amount of remainingfuel in each of the tanks 20. Control circuit 50 may use sensor readingsto determine the fuel amounts. Control circuit 50 may periodicallytransmit this information to a remote location. Alternatively, thecontrol circuit 50 may transmit the information just when requested.

The control circuit 50 may also periodically monitor the quality of thefuel in the tanks 20. The control circuit 50 may turn on and off a fuelpolishing system which removes harmful or detrimental substances whichmay accumulate in the fuel after extended periods of deployment in thefield. The fuel polishing system may draw fuel in via a pump connectedto a fitting located on the distribution manifold, filter, treat, andremove any particulates or accumulated moisture in the fuel andrecirculate the polished fuel to the tanks 20.

FIG. 13 illustrates a device 10 with the casing 95 extending around thetanks 20 and all or majority of the frame 60. FIG. 13 includes thecasing 95 having sharp corners, although casing 95 may also include morerounded corners.

The control circuit 50 may also monitor the temperature of the interiorof the tanks 20 or the interior of the casing 95. The control circuit 50may be configured to periodically transmit this information. Controlcircuit 50 may also be configured to transmit this information just whenit deviates above or below predetermined high and low temperatures.Heating and/or cooling units may be associated with the device 10 andoperated by the control circuit 50. In the event the temperature isabove or below the settings, the control circuit 50 may activate thevarious temperature units to regulate the temperatures.

The device 10 may also be configured to hold other types of liquids,including but not limited to chemicals, fuels, and water. Specific fuelsinclude but are not limited to kerosene, diesel, and various jetpropellants such as JP-8, JP-4, JP-5, and Jet A-1.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”,“upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain thepositioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the device in additionto different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further,terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describevarious elements, regions, sections, etc and are also not intended to belimiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”,“comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate thepresence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additionalelements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways thanthose herein set forth without departing from the scope and essentialcharacteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalencyrange of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage device to store and dispense fuel, thestorage device comprising: a frame that includes a floor with a firstside and an opposing second side, the frame also including a centralcolumn that extends upward above the first side of the floor; a basemounted to the frame below the floor; wheels mounted to the base;storage tanks comprising a master storage tank and slave storage tankspositioned on the first side of the floor and extending around thecentral column, the master and slave storage tanks being spaced apartwith an overall weight of the master and slave storage tanks when fullof fuel being evenly distributed across the frame; one or more conduitsextending between the master storage tank and the slave storage tanks tomove the fuel from the slave storage tanks to the master storage tank;and a suspension comprising resilient spacers positioned between theframe and the base to provide relative motion between the base and theframe, the suspension also comprising resilient spacers positionedbetween the master and slave storage tanks and the frame to providerelative motion between the master and slave storage tanks and theframe; and a processing circuit positioned within an interior of thecentral column to control the movement of fuel between the master andslave storage tanks.
 2. The storage device of claim 1, wherein theresilient spacers positioned between the frame and the base aredifferent than the resilient spacers positioned between the frame andthe master and slave storage tanks.
 3. The storage device of claim 1,further comprising an exterior casing mounted to the frame and thatforms an enclosed interior space over the floor with the master andslave storage tanks positioned within the interior space.
 4. A storagedevice to store and dispense fuel, the storage device comprising: aframe with a floor and a column that extends outward above the floor; awheeled base mounted to the frame and positioned below the floor,storage tanks positioned on the floor and positioned to extend aroundthe column, each of the storage tanks configured to contain fuel; one ormore conduits extending between the storage tanks to move the fuelbetween the storage tanks; a retainer mounted to the column andincluding arms that extend radially outward from the column that areeach connected to one of the storage tanks to secure the storage tanks,the retainer being axially spaced along the column above the floor toconnect to an upper portion of the storage tanks; a suspensioncomprising resilient spacers positioned between the frame and the baseto provide relative motion between the frame and the base, thesuspension also comprising resilient spacers positioned between thestorage tanks and the frame to provide relative motion between thestorage tanks and the frame; and a processing circuit positioned withinan interior of the column to control the movement of fuel between thestorage tanks.
 5. The storage device of claim 4, wherein each of theresilient spacers positioned between the frame and the base and betweenthe storage tanks and the frame being deformable between a firstconfiguration when no external forces are acting on the storage tanksand a different second configuration when external forces are acting onthe storage tanks.
 6. The storage device of claim 4, wherein theresilient spacers positioned between the storage tanks and the frame arepositioned between a bottom of the storage tanks and the floor of theframe.
 7. The storage device of claim 6, wherein the resilient spacersbetween the storage tanks and the frame are positioned between theretainer and the column for the retainer to be movably connected to thecolumn.
 8. The storage device of claim 4, wherein each of the storagetanks are independently configured to contain the fuel.
 9. The storagedevice of claim 8, wherein each of the storage tanks includes the samecapacity.
 10. The storage device of claim 4, wherein a distal end of thecolumn is positioned a greater distance from the floor than each of thestorage tanks.
 11. The storage device of claim 4, further comprising anexterior casing attached to the frame and that forms an enclosedinterior space over the floor with the storage tanks positioned withinthe interior space.
 12. The storage device of claim 4, furthercomprising support arms that extend between the column and a sidewall ofthe frame, the support arms forming receptacles spaced around the columnthat are each sized to contain one of the storage tanks.
 13. The storagedevice of claim 4, wherein the resilient spacers positioned between theframe and the base being separate from and spaced away from theresilient spacers positioned between the storage tanks and the frame.14. A storage device to store and dispense fuel, the storage devicecomprising: a frame that includes a floor with a first side and anopposing second side, a sidewall positioned around the floor and thatextends upward above the first side of the floor, and a column at acenter of the frame that extends upward above the first side of thefloor; a connector positioned at the end of the column; a base mountedbelow the floor; wheels mounted to the base; storage tanks comprising amaster storage tank and slave storage tanks positioned on the first sideof the floor and within the sidewall, the master and slave storage tanksbeing spaced apart along the floor with an overall weight of the masterand slave storage tanks when full of fuel being evenly distributedacross the floor, the master and slave storage tanks positioned belowthe connector; one or more conduits extending between the master storagetank and the slave storage tanks to move the fuel from the slave storagetanks to the master storage tank; one or more first resilient spacerspositioned between the master and slave storage tanks and the frame toprovide relative movement between the master and slave storage tanks andthe frame; one or more second resilient spacers positioned between theframe and the base to provide relative movement between the frame andthe base, the one or more second resilient spacers being separate fromand spaced away from the one or more first resilient spacers; each ofthe first and second resilient spacers being deformable between a firstconfiguration when no external forces are acting on the master and slavestorage tanks and a different second configuration when external forcesare acting on the master and slave storage tanks.
 15. The storage deviceof claim 14, wherein a distal end of the column opposite from the flooris positioned above the master and slave storage tanks.
 16. The storagedevice of claim 14, wherein the first and second resilient spacers areeach constructed from an elastic material.
 17. The storage device ofclaim 14, further comprising an exterior casing attached to the frameand that forms an enclosed interior space over the floor with the masterand slave storage tanks positioned within the interior space.
 18. Thestorage device of claim 17, wherein a distal end of the column extendsoutward from the exterior casing.
 19. The storage device of claim 14,wherein the one or more conduits extend through the floor of the framewith a first section of the one or more conduits positioned on the firstside of the floor and a second section positioned on the second side ofthe floor.
 20. The storage device of claim 14, further comprisingsupport arms that extend between the column and the sidewall, thesupport arms forming receptacles spaced around the column that are eachsized to contain one of the master and slave storage tanks.